Infield play

[CrazyNani]

I have observed infielders that as the ball is being pitched, all seem to take a short step forward and place their mitt on the ground. They do this in unison. The thing is, why would they want to be in this rigid position, flat footed, bent over, before the pitch reaches the plate? I understand the importance of movement prior to the pitch, but I thought it was to help the fielder remain fluid, to be able to react to whatever direction the ball is hit to. I thought this pre-pitch motion was supposed to be a small hop, an unweighting that should occur as the pitch reaches the plate, not as it leaves the pitchers hand? Are these players doing it wrong or am I mistaken about how to execute this movement?

 

[_MIA_]

Are these players doing it wrong

Yes, especially the mitt on the ground part. Not everyone teaches the hop (but it does seem to be becoming almost universal at the higher levels)

 

[NJZoo]

Ideally, they would time their movement with the release of the pitch and they wouldn't be flat footed...they would be on the balls of their feet ready to move and in good fielding position. Doesn't always happen that way.

 

[Rolling Hard]

I like 3rd baseman lower than SS, but not glove on the ground.

 

[_MIA_]

I like 3rd baseman lower than SS, but not glove on the ground.

Yeah they have to move less and the ball gets on them quicker, especially in fastpitch.

 

[Lemond]

Ideally, they would time their movement with the release of the pitch and they wouldn't be flat footed...they would be on the balls of their feet ready to move and in good fielding position. Doesn't always happen that way.

Ideally, not just timed with the release, but timed so that the feet hit the ground at the moment the batter would/does contact the ball.

 

[The Man In Blue]

Very low level ... but I taught this in my early years of coaching little kids (girls and boys). IT had nothing to do with defensive ability though. It was more to keep my players paying attention, showing they were aware, and prevent them from standing still.

 

[Lemond]

Same. Made it easy to see who was in the game!

 

[Agcy]

I have observed infielders that as the ball is being pitched, all seem to take a short step forward and place their mitt on the ground. They do this in unison. The thing is, why would they want to be in this rigid position, flat footed, bent over, before the pitch reaches the plate? I understand the importance of movement prior to the pitch, but I thought it was to help the fielder remain fluid, to be able to react to whatever direction the ball is hit to. I thought this pre-pitch motion was supposed to be a small hop, an unweighting that should occur as the pitch reaches the plate, not as it leaves the pitchers hand? Are these players doing it wrong or am I mistaken about how to execute this movement?

If it is young girls, there is some benefit as it is easier to ensure they are ready.

If it is older girls (10+) it is because the coach doesn't know what the heck they are doing.